I have traded or borrowed books at hotels, with other people traveling, bought good ones I stumbled upon (UK published that weren't out in the US yet for my favorite mystery writer). And that was all without even visiting a bookstore.

As an avid reader, I am totally supportive of the whole book thing, but you can do it, and maybe even have more fun, picking up things along the way. Or if you are like me, end up reading less on the road than I would at home.

On my recent trip I was traveling alone, and I did run out of reading material for a couple nights, until I was able to get to a bookstore and replenish. So what helped for a couple nights was buying The Economist magazine at a kiosk. Reading that properly takes a substantial amount of time. And you can also write in your journal.

Also, one really long, thick novel (a Russian one, say) can substitute for several insubstantial ones, and take a much longer time to read.

If you are now going to check the 22" case anyway, why not take a really large case in which you can fit all the books you want ? As I mentioned on the other thread, I generally take 4 large novels for a 2 week holiday, so I don't think 7 is excessive for 7 weeks. I find even a fairly large case is already half full with books, toiletries & shoes, even before I've started packing clothes.

Judging by all the rude SOB's that bring giant suitcases as carry-on, you should have no problem with a little old shopping bag. Nothing irritates me more than boarding the plane, finding my seat, then not being able to put my coat in the overhead bin because somebody has stuffed their steamer trunk in there first. I can't believe the airlines don't enforce their own rules. According to the strictest interpretation of the carry-on rules, none of these roll-on suitcases should be allowed in th cabin. Even a stuffed backpack would be considered oversized.

caroline_edinburgh asks,
>If you are now going to check the 22" case anyway, why not take a really large case in which you can fit all the books you want ? <

So do I.

((I))

Huh? "According to the strictest interpretation of the carry-on rules, none of these roll-on suitcases should be allowed in the cabin"

A 21 inch rollaboard fits in the sizing box for almost every airline (except on commuter type planes). Even VS and BA allow this sized bag as long as it meets their stringent weight rules.

There is plenty of room for rollie cases - it is the people who bring on several carry-ons and oddshaped ones that are the problem. If the airlines enforced their limit of one carry on plus a handbag or laptop you would have more than enough space.

A 19, 20, 21 inch rollaboard is hardly a steamer trunk.

"why not take a really large case . . .?"

because once you are on the ground you have to schlepp that big heavy bag everywhere - in small car trunks, on trains, in small hotel rooms, etc. Even when I have to check a bag (BA/VS) I still only use a max 21 incher because it makes my life so much simpler during the trip . . . . . .

Since you're checking the 22" roller, why not take one generous sized normal carry-on with all the books and other essential (don't forget medications, prescription glasses, money, etc)?

Get the type that has a sleeve or strap so it rides on top of the rolling bag... then pair the two back up after arrival.